New York, New York – May 13, 2013 – International business education organization Access MBA presented a survey on the responsibility of business schools in times of economic crisis today at the Warwick New York Hotel, demonstrating popular opinion on the role of MBA programs in today’s business climate. A roundtable discussion followed the presentation, with the participation of Shawn O’Connor, Founder and President of Status Prep, Roy Cohen, Career Counselor at Career Coach NY, Lance Widner, Director & Portfolio Strategist and Oppenheimer & Co, and Jessica Smith, Associate Director for MBA Admissions at IESE Business School.

Two thousand prospective, current and former MBA students from 57 countries participated in the survey sent on April 26, 2013. The majority of MBA graduates that responded to the questionnaire obtained their MBA degree in the last 4 years. Results show that there is an overwhelming need for business schools to address market sustainability and develop ethical management practices, with 62% of survey participants declaring that schools have a “significant responsibility” in regards to the economic crisis.

In order to strengthen MBA programs’ connection with the sustainable business and management practices, sixty-four percent of participants declared that schools should actively encourage field immersion, or the opportunity for students to apply what they learn in the classroom to working with companies outside of the classroom. In addition, 53% percent of respondents think that MBA programs are responsible for researching and developing sustainable business practices, and 35% say that schools should concentrate their curriculum on business ethics.

“Business ethics do not need to be a separate course, but should be incorporated into the curriculum,” says IESE’s Jessica Smith. The survey shows that prospective MBA students may see the need for more ethics instruction in the classroom, but current MBA students and MBA graduates place less emphasis on the subject – a sign that completed coursework does not always transition into profitable business. “Schools can adapt curriculum to weave career management pre-planning and services to a much greater degree”, says career consultant Roy Cohen, “so that the MBA generates an income stream” rather than simply helping to secure a job.

In reaction to the economic recession, Stratus Prep’s Shawn O’Connor stated that business schools’ “greatest trend is towards practical teaching methods or field-based learning”. Regarding the need for field immersion, Cohen added, “with executives-in-residence and hands-on consulting, schools are establishing consulting organizations so that students get real-life experience and can transition more effectively”.

Clearly MBA programs have a responsibility in training the world’s future business leaders and teaching sustainable management practices. By changing curriculum, international business schools can affect the workplace and alter global markets. Eighty percent of current MBA students and recent MBA graduates say that their business school adequately addresses the causes and repercussions of the economic recession. In response to this data, O’Connor aptly stated that we can learn from the recession but “the most valuable lesson is anticipating what’s coming next” and taking measures to ensure stable business and financial success.

As for MBA degree-holders, they are satisfied with the professional tools provided by their business school experience. An overwhelming 95% said that thanks to their MBA program, they are now ready to better respond to future economic recessions and improve business management practices.

About the Access MBA Tour
Organized by the Paris-based Advent Group, the Access MBA Tour is the worldwide leader in One-to-One MBA events. Held in 65 international destinations every year, Access MBA brings together elite international business schools and provides MBA applicants the exclusive opportunity to meet with Admissions Directors face-to-face.

The next Access MBA event in New York will be held on May 22, 2013 at the Warwick New York Hotel and will showcase both American and international business schools. MBA candidates can register on www.accessmba.com to be matched with the participating business schools that meet their criteria and expectations. The 20-minute meetings with Admissions Directors are scheduled both before and at the event.

Contact for press inquiries:
Mr. Fabien Dufil, International Project Manager
Tel: 011 331 4341 4131 – Email: Fabien@accessmba.com
Access MBA / Advent Group – 4 rue Elisa Lemonnier – 75012 Paris France
www.accessmba.com

In 2013, the Practice MBA Summer Forum will be held July 7th – 22nd in Seattle, Washington at University of Washington’s brand-new facility. The program is taught by a distinguished team of MBA alumni and industry and higher education veterans who have unparalleled experience in delivering training and individualized coaching at ‘top-5’ MBA programs. The curriculum is designed to give MBA students a competitive edge in three areas:

1. Career Development – securing an MBA internship and converting it to a full-time offer, with emphasis on navigating unique aspects of the MBA recruiting process




2. Academic Preparation – achieving strong academic results, even with minimal prior commercial experience or exposure to business concepts




3. Language & Culture Orientation – successfully transitioning into a new linguistic and cultural environment; arriving on campus knowing how you conduct yourself in a new professional, academic, and social setting

Tuition, including food and housing, begins at $2,500 and sponsorship and scholarship assistance are available. Also, for international students, we have a special trip organized to Vancouver, British Columbia, for those who will need to exit and then re-enter the U.S. in order to activate their F-1 student visas.

Please e-mail study@practicemba.com to express your interest, receive information about our weekly Q&A chat sessions, and be invited to register. Act soon as registration will close May 10th.

Learn More about Practice MBA

Less Expensive. The two-year program is still considered to be the American standard for the full-time MBA. In Europe, the duration of an MBA program is one year or eighteen months, which becomes less expensive than a two-year program and entails lower overall living costs. Nevertheless the quality of the programs can be very high, which explains the growing number of triple-accredited business schools in Europe.

More Specialized MBA Programs. Europe boasts schools that are known for certain specific core competencies. Ranked the best European business school by the Financial Times in 2012, IE Business School is, for example, the perfect place to develop your career with its focus on innovation, diversity and entrepreneurship.

A More International Network. Reports by GMAC state that 38% of participants in US business school are from foreign countries. The percentage of international students in European MBA programs is 83%. Due to this, the teaching language at most business schools in Europe is English. University alliances and exchange programs contribute to highly diverse and international student bodies, and ultimately expand personal networks and ability to work on a global level. IESE Business School, which offers the fifth best worldwide MBA program according to The Economist in 2012, has between 26 and 28 exchange partners including 16 top US schools, such as Columbia and NYU-Stern. In 2010, IESE became the first European school to open its New York City campus.

High MBA Salaries. During times of economic growth or in times of crisis, it is important to have a diploma that employers favor. 87% of the European business school graduates of the class of 2012 was employed after graduation, according to a GMAC survey. Getting a European MBA is also a great opportunity to change careers or find a better job, as 43% of graduates found new employers after graduation. The median starting salary for all management program graduates in the Old Continent is higher by more than US$22,000. Last year, MBA employees in Europe were even better paid than in America – US$108,355 compared to US$100,000.

Better Return on Investment. The Financial Times value-for-money rankings show that European schools are doing better than their American counterparts. With all due critical attitudes towards such calculations and lists, the top 10 European and American schools would be as follows: The first 10 are made up of European institutions and the second 10 are American. The question of business school quality is open to debate, and can never be fully resolved. Although, in terms of ROI, the European MBA seems to be gaining the upper hand.

More Experienced Classmates. The age of MBA students in Europe is generally higher than that of American schools. This may give experienced professionals who want to go back to school an argument in favour of the Old Continent. On the other hand, US institutions accept more a larger number of students in their programs.

Smaller Classes, More Individual Attention. The size and culture of a school are often overlooked when considering business schools. In general, US business schools are larger, with an average intake of 287 full-time MBA students, compared with 124 in Europe. Professors in the US may therefore have a limited amount of time for individual work with each student compared with professors in Europe.
Better Career Mobility. Thanks to the Bologna higher education accord, European degrees are recognized in most countries within the Eurasian continent, giving unprecedented access to career opportunities worldwide. This also means that MBA graduates are not confined to working in the country they graduated, but can benefit from the pan-European job market.

Cultural Diversity. Cultural differences between European countries shouldn’t be underestimated when considering the added value of an MBA program. Historically-built attitudes and social order vary greatly and create a secondary learning environment outside the classes.
Language Learning Options. It is a well known fact that a new language is most efficiently learned when in the foreign country. Even though English is the teaching language of MBA programs, students have the option to perfect their language skills with native speakers outside of the classroom.

ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS: THE FIRST STEP TO ADMISSION

Created ten years ago, the renowned Access MBA Tour travels to 65 cities every year with a hundred international business schools. Access MBA gives selected candidates the chance to meet individually with Admissions Directors of top-tier MBA programs. MBA candidates have twenty minutes to convince recruiters of their eligibility for admission as well as to determine which MBA program is the best for them.

Being held for the sixth time in New York, representatives of Full Time, Part Time or Distance Learning programs will be present at the One-to-One event on Wednesday, May 22nd 2013 from 4pm to 9:30pm at the Warwick New York Hotel.

Some of the business schools participating in the Access MBA Spring Tour 2013 include: London Business School, INSEAD, Duke University–The Fuqua School of Business, IESE, HEC Paris, IE Business School, Cass, ESADE, Hult International Business School, Manchester Business School, EDHEC Business School, Nottingham University, University of Chicago–Booth, SDA Bocconi, Northwestern University–Kellogg, IMD, University of Cambridge, Copenhagen Business School, Durham University, International University of Monaco

“It is a unique experience and so much better than a traditional fair where you often feel a bit lost. Here we are guided, accompanied and individually oriented at each step. The individual meetings enabled me to think in more detail about what I want and now I know where I wish to apply”, explains John Alvine, who participated in last year’s event in NYC.

How can you take advantage of Access MBA’s exclusive services? All you have to do is register online on www.accessmba.com and bring your CV to the event. Early registration is recommended as places in One-to-One meetings are limited.

Register Now

It’s not easy, but this upcoming event should help. Submit your MBA Application essay to have an opportunity to have it reviewed for free by the team at Admissionado. Three essays will be selected, and if you are one of the lucky ones, you will have the opportunity to go through your essay with Phillip Herring (admissions expert and CBS MBA) in a live session. You will need to be OK with sharing your essay with attendees (don’t worry – we’ll keep your name/private info out of it), and available and online at the time of the event to chat it up with Phillip. Even if you aren’t selected, listen in, because there will still be plenty of essay advice to go around.

Submit your essay to lauren@admissionado.com by Monday, December 3. You will find out if you are selected by Wednesday, December 5. Then join the live event on Thursday, December 6 at 6pm PST. Register Now [FREE!]

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

Monday, September 24th 2012
4:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Le Meridien Piccadilly
21 Piccadilly, London W1J 0BH
Metro: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly or Bakerloo line)

MANDATORY REGISTRATION ON: www.accessmba.com

Places for the One-to-One meetings are limited, and registration is free of charge.

Each event participant has access to:

• Personalised meetings with admissions directors from the best worldwide MBA programs
• Orientation sessions, practice GMAT tests with Kaplan and thematic conferences
• £1m worth of exclusive scholarships to help you fund your education
• Newspapers, coffee and helpful event assistance
• An MBA Reach Account which includes practice GMAT test and unlimited access to MBA search tools
• A specialised guide of 150 pages containing articles, school profiles and rankings

Special offer for GMAT Club members: Bring a qualified colleague or friend to the event and receive a one-hour personalized coaching session after the event!



]]> http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/09/access-mba-tour-in-london-on-september-24-2012/feed/ 0 http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/09/how-to-prepare-for-an-mba-event/ http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/09/how-to-prepare-for-an-mba-event/#comments Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:00:43 +0000 kirsti http://gmatclub.com/blog/?p=13886 There are many MBA events this fall, so while we know you have choices, GMAT Club has partnered with QS World MBA Tour to get you free access to a premier MBA tour. Studying for an MBA is one of the most important decisions you will make so it is crucial to find the ideal program for you. With 27 of the top 30 North American Business School and an array of top global schools from Europe and the rest of the World, QS World MBA Tour will offer you the resources to help you make the right choice. This video will help you prepare for the event as you get ready to meet representatives from top business schools.

Find out about upcoming cities and dates at the World MBA Tour in Fall of 2012. Our first U.S. event begins tomorrow in Miami, so register now!











]]> http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/09/how-to-prepare-for-an-mba-event/feed/ 0 http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/08/discover-what-an-mba-can-do-for-you/ http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/08/discover-what-an-mba-can-do-for-you/#comments Tue, 28 Aug 2012 21:06:27 +0000 kirsti http://gmatclub.com/blog/?p=13881

Whether you’re currently studying for the GMAT or you’ve already taken it, you’re one step closer to getting your MBA.

An MBA builds on your work experience by providing you the skills and knowledge to transition to a higher level of responsibility. You will finesse your teamwork skills, understanding of human relations in organizations and will be far better able to understand and respond effectively to the uncertainty and complexity that is a feature of organisational life in times of rapid change.

The lingering questions remain: which school, program, location is the ideal one for you?

The QS World MBA Tour is here to help you. The QS World MBA Tour offers prospective students the opportunity to meet admissions officers from top tier universities world wide at a multitude of venues across the globe.
This fall, the World MBA Tour will be visiting over 20 cities in the United States and Canada.

So, why not get ahead and gain an advantage this fall by registering for the event through GMAT Club where you get free registration (save $15) and a free MBA Guide.

SEE CITIES, DATES AND REGISTER NOW!










]]> http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/08/discover-what-an-mba-can-do-for-you/feed/ 0 http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/08/access-mba-tour-is-returning-to-london/ http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/08/access-mba-tour-is-returning-to-london/#comments Tue, 21 Aug 2012 09:00:16 +0000 kirsti http://gmatclub.com/blog/?p=13753 MBA Graduates Will Earn More in 2012!


MBA Exclusive: the ACCESS MBA One-to-One tour is returning to London for the 11th time at Le Meridien Piccadilly on Monday, September 24th from 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm. All you have to do is register online on www.accessmba.com and bring your CV to the event.

As the recruitment sector and financial markets become increasingly globalized, interest in Management Studies is at an all-time high. And the MBA degree is still the best key to fighting the crisis!

“74% OF COMPANIES ARE PLANNING TO HIRE MBA GRADUATES IN 2012”


Getting an MBA will give you the best possible chance to access top-level jobs and increase your salary. According to a 2011 GMAC survey of 229 companies, 80% of employees in senior positions would not have earned their position without an MBA. Furthermore, the survey found that 93% of graduates of the top 100 programs found a permanent contract even before receiving their degree. The most prestigious universities pride themselves on the professional insertion record of their students – over 1,500 companies offered full time jobs to MBA students from IE Business School in 2008-2009.

But there is even better news: Companies are planning to recruit more MBA graduates in 2012 than in 2011 – 74% compared with 58%!

AN AVERAGE SALARY OF £176,000 PER YEAR


According to the latest Financial Times survey, the average salary of recent graduates of the top 100 worldwide MBA programs is £176,000. One third of companies that recruit MBA graduates are planning to increase their entry salaries in 2012, whilst 65% will maintain the salaries offered in 2011 (source: Graduate Management Admissions Council). Though an MBA costs between £30,000 and £60,000, Business Week says that graduates of the best European business schools see a major return on investment in less than five years. Leading graduates to international careers in management or enabling them to change the direction of their career in numerous ways, the MBA is without a doubt the anti-crisis diploma. “Today an MBA is essential for obtaining the highest managerial positions, but the degree also enables graduates to take a significant turn in their career without having previous experience in finance, strategy, consulting or business, for example,” says Christophe Coutat, General Director of the ACCESS MBA and ACCESS MASTERS Tours.

STUDYING IN THE UK OR ABROAD?


The globalization of the past 10 years has opened the MBA market to European and US schools. This is largely due to the diversity of the student body of European schools. The incoming Full-Time MBA program at Kellogg-Northwestern University is composed of 36% of international students. As much as 95% of foreign students make up the MBA student population at schools like IE Business School, which has the eighth best worldwide MBA program according to the Financial Times.

Cultural diversity is not only a sign of quality education; it also creates wider networking opportunities after degree completion. Another major advantage to international programs is the possibility of finding jobs in different countries. MBA study can be done in several locations, as is the case of Hult International Business School which, in addition to the USA, has opened campuses in London, Dubai and Shanghai. Thanks to these global MBA programs, you can benefit from an enriching experience on another continent and have a greater chance of finding the job of your dreams and quickly reimbursing your studies.

Manchester Business School offers students a practical program that introduces them to the UK job market via internships and partnerships with local businesses.

Location is an important factor when deciding on an MBA abroad. A cosmopolitan campus like Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School’s in Brussels puts graduates in the heart of Europe with over 41 nationalities and graduates working in 75 countries worldwide.

It is also good to keep in mind that today you can get a top education from a world-renowned institution without needing to live in the country where the school is located through “satellite” campuses. HEC has an Executive campus in Qatar in addition to the Executive and Full Time Paris campuses, London Business School has a campus in Dubai, while you can find France’s INSEAD in Abu Dhabi.

ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS: THE FIRST STEP TO ADMISSION


The ACCESS MBA Tour is an original and efficient way to find the right MBA. Created nine years ago, the renowned MBA Tour travels to 50 cities every year with a hundred international business schools. ACCESS MBA gives selected candidates the chance to meet individually with Admissions Directors of top-tier MBA programs. ACCESS MBA is based on a simple and original concept: twenty minutes to convince recruiters of your suitability for admission as well as to determine which MBA program is the best for you.

Being held for the eleventh time in London, representatives of Full Time, Part Time or Distance Learning programs will be present at the One-to-One event on Monday, September 24th 2012. “It is a unique experience and so much better than a traditional fair where you often feel a bit lost. Here we are guided, accompanied and individually oriented at each step. The individual meetings enabled me to think in more detail about what I want and now I know where I wish to apply” explains John Alvine, who participated in last year’s event in London.

How can you take advantage of ACCESS MBA’s exclusive services? All you have to do is register online on www.accessmba.com and bring your CV to the event.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

Monday, September 24th 2012
4:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Le Meridien Piccadilly
21 Piccadilly, London W1J 0BH
Metro: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly or Bakerloo line)

MANDATORY REGISTRATION ON: www.accessmba.com

Places for the One-to-One meetings are limited, and registration is free of charge.

Each event participant has access to:


• Personalised meetings with admissions directors from the best worldwide MBA programs
• Orientation sessions, practice GMAT tests with Kaplan and thematic conferences
• £1m worth of exclusive scholarships to help you fund your education
• Newspapers, coffee and helpful event assistance
• An MBA Reach Account which includes practice GMAT test and unlimited access to MBA search tools
• A specialised guide of 150 pages containing articles, school profiles and rankings

PARTICIPATING BUSINESS SCHOOLS:

The ACCESS MBA Tour features top ranked universities at each event, including London Business School, Insead, IE Business School, IESE Business School, University of Chicago – Booth, IMD, Duke, Kellogg-WHU, HEC Paris, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Manchester Business School, Esade Business School, Cass, RSM – Erasmus, Hult International Business School, Ashridge Business School, Danube Business School, Henley, International University of Monaco, John Molson School of Business – Concordia University, Moscow School of Management Skolkovo, University of North Carolina – Kenan-Flagler Business School…and many more!

Special offer for GMAT Club members: Bring a qualified colleague or friend to the event and receive a one-hour personalized coaching session after the event!



]]> http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/08/access-mba-tour-is-returning-to-london/feed/ 0 http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/08/the-qs-world-mba-tour-coming-to-a-city-near-you/ http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/08/the-qs-world-mba-tour-coming-to-a-city-near-you/#comments Mon, 20 Aug 2012 15:00:02 +0000 kirsti http://gmatclub.com/blog/?p=13729 What to expect from the QS World MBA Tour
The QS World MBA Tour is the most prestigious MBA fair in the world and is perfect for anybody looking to begin studying an MBA. Each MBA fair gives candidates the chance to meet the best business schools from around the world. We also have a QS World Executive MBA Tour, which is specifically for people considering an EMBA.

Who should attend?
Our MBA fair is a must if you:

• Are considering studying an MBA
• Want to improve your chances of getting your preferred business school
• Want to improve your GMAT score
• Wish to talk to admissions people from the business schools
• Are looking for a scholarship

Benefits of Enrolling via GMAT Club

• Free Registration (Save $15)
• Get a free MBA Guide from GMAT Club

SEE CITIES, DATES AND REGISTER NOW!




]]> http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/08/the-qs-world-mba-tour-coming-to-a-city-near-you/feed/ 0 http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/01/top-four-reasons-to-attend-the-which-mba-online-fair/ http://gmatclub.com/blog/2012/01/top-four-reasons-to-attend-the-which-mba-online-fair/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:00:02 +0000 kirsti http://gmatclub.com/blog/?p=10063 Whether you are just beginning to consider an MBA or ready to send out applications, the Which MBA? Online Fair allows you to take the next step in your MBA journey. Meet nearly forty business schools from across the world all in one place, and gather the information you need to make the right decision.

Not sure if the fair is right for you? Here are the top four reasons you should attend.

1. Chat one-on-one with admissions officers, alumni and students.

Make important connections with the contacts you want to meet, and learn about the MBA experience from those who know first-hand.

2. Compare dozens of business schools side-by-side.

Browse virtual booths at your own pace, with instant access to key facts and requirements for each program.

3. Find out which schools are right for you.

Complete a short compatibility profile to view schools that best match your preferences, from location to class size.

4. Access free prizes and giveaways.

Visit five or more booths for a chance to win an iPad 2. Plus, just show up for a chance to win a free e-book, and download free MBA guides at the Information Desk.

Signing up is free and easy, so what are you waiting for? Start the year by meeting the business school that could be right for you.

February 6th & 7th: Register FREE at http://registermbafair.whichmba.com/?source=gmatclub

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